"Bringing reality to the table": Contributors to the lack of parent participation in an early childhood service program

The collaborative role of parents in any system that is focused on meeting their needs has been recognized as important to that system's effectiveness . Unfortunately, the extent to which parents are involved in these programs is woefully wanting. This article reports the findings of a study examinin g a innovative state child care and eaarly education initiative called "Sma rt Start." Hindrances to parent participation and recommendations for enhan cing the involvement of families in collaborative social service partnershi ps are highlighted. (C) 2000 by the Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved .